1972 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Venture
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Venture is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Venture is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Venture (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Venture should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Venture weights approximately 515 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Venture, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Chevrolet Venture (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Venture will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1997 Chevrolet Venture | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Venture |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2850 mm |
